Onkyo USA announced its new 7.2-channel TX-SR494 ($479.99) and 5.2-channel TX-SR393 ($349.99) AV receivers at CES 2019.
For more information visit: www.onkyousa.com
Unedited press release follows:
Onkyo USA Offers 3D Audio With 2019 AV Receiver Line Premiering At CES 2019
UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ, January 7, 2019 – Providing consumers with a host of new features to enjoy a next-generation home theater experience, Onkyo USA today announced two new AV receivers: the 7.2-channel TX-SR494 AV Receiver (160 W/Ch) and the 5.2-channel TX-SR393 AV Receiver (155 W/Ch). Both units are capable of producing an immersive 3D soundstage in a wide variety of layouts via Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer*1 and DTS Virtual:X®*2 and will be available in the Onkyo USA demo rooms at the Venetian, Bassano Rooms #2602-2603 throughout CES 2019. The TX-SR494 and the TX-SR393 will be available in February for $479.99 USD / $599.99CAD and $349.99 USD / $479.99 CAD, respectively.
The TX-SR393 offers a space-saving 3.2.2-channel solution to native Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, while the TX-SR494 expands object-based audio playback through 5.2.2 channels. Dolby Surround® and DTS Neural:X® up-mixing technologies remap legacy soundtracks for playback through any speaker layout, including those with height channels for more spatially realistic sound.
When playing a Dolby® format, the new Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer*1 creates a virtual surround and height effect from traditional speaker layouts without employing additional surround or height speakers. Similarly, DTS Virtual:X®*2 creates a 3D sound-field through any speaker layout without surround or height speaker connection.
While 3D sound virtualization creates a spatial sound-field from as few as 2.1 channels, the TX-SR393 offers real 5.2-ch or 3.2.2-ch surround-sound, while the TX-SR494 real 7.2-ch, 5.2.2-ch, or 5.2-ch surround-sound, the latter with either Front L/R Bi-Amping or Powered Zone B audio distribution. With speakers in another room, users can enjoy any AVR audio source in Zone B simultaneously in Main and Zone B.
Several new features debut on these models, including DSP-based Vocal Enhancer which lets users raise or lower vocal frequencies to clarify movie or TV dialog via the remote controller or front-panel VOCAL buttons.
Additionally, Zone B line-out passes audio signals –including HDMI and digital audio — to a component with an analog RCA audio input such as a nearby hi-fi system or a wireless headphone dock.
Both receivers feature four HDMI® inputs and one ARC-enabled output with pass-through support for 4K/60p and HDR (Dolby Vision®, HDR10, HLG, and BT.2020) along with 4:4:4 color sub-sampling.
To confirm that content is playing as desired, the GUI includes an overlaid OSD information window. Input/output data can be easily accessed to display details such HDR format, video resolution, frame-rate and audio codec, all of which can prove tricky to check in real time.
Onkyo deploys its discrete high-current analog amplification system backed by a High-Current Low-Noise Power Transformer and large audio-grade capacitors. Power is evidenced by 4-ohm simultaneous speaker-driving capability, muscle that few comparable products can match.
AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration creates a harmonious sound-field in the room, detecting speaker presence, size, and distance from a measurement point, and setting sound-pressure levels. It selects the best subwoofer crossover and EQ’s all speakers. AccuReflex™ technology optimizes 3D audio reproduction through Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. It resolves phase-shift that arises from path differences between directional and non-directional sounds, resulting in a cohesive sound-field with vertical movement and overhead dimensionality.
The TX-SR393 and TX-SR494 are well equipped for music, with their discrete amps and high-current power serving up detailed sound on a scale well above its suggested price-point. Each carries optical and coaxial digital audio inputs and RCA analog audio inputs, and feature Bluetooth® wireless audio technology to stream audio from a smartphone, tablet, as well as PC apps. The Advanced Music Optimizer™ restores compressed audio files close to their original integrity for improved playback quality, and a USB power output supports network media streaming sticks.
With a tremendous combination of features offered at a compelling price point, both the TX-SR393 and TX-SR494 provide a best-in-class unit. With its easy set-up and expandability, Onkyo looks forward to welcoming a growing number of film, music, and game lovers wanting to take their home’s sound to the next level.
To experience Onkyo USA’s new line of AV receivers in person, please stop by the company’s booth in the Venetian, Bassano Rooms 2602-2603 during CES 2019.
* 1 Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer will be enabled with a future firmware update. Works with Dolby Atmos, Dolby codecs, PCM and DSD audio only.
* 2 Works with DTS:X, DTS formats, PCM and DSD audio only.